The Universal Language of Freemasonry - ArchiMeD - Johannes ...

Chapter 7 - Rituals 629
Modern Woodmen of America - which I have already seen or heard - or
which I may hereafter see, hear or experience - unless it be to a
Neighbor whom I know to be a member - and entitled to receive the
same.
No cruel oath ends this obligation. Instead, the only punishment inflicted to
the candidate in case of betrayal is that he is "cast out of this Society and from
the company of all good people" (p. 21). Due to the striking similarity of the
obligation, as well as the general structure of the ritual, it may be presumed that
the founder of the Modern Woodmen of America ritual, Joseph Cullen Root, was
familiar with Freemasonry 1575 .
After the obligation, the Past Consul tells the candidate that he must
remember that true happiness can only be attained when one makes others
happy. In a false French, he explains the motto of the Woodmen: "The motto of
our Society, 'Pur Autre Vie,' (sic) means 'For the life of another.' Your devotion
to this sentiment will measure your value as a member of this Society and your
usefulness as a citizen" (p. 21). From now on, there is no resemblance with the
earnestness of a Masonic ritual, but there follows rather a social drama.
The candidate is told that in the next scene, he is going to impersonate a poor
and unfortunate individual who is seeking charity upon the streets of a great city.
He is ascertained that the garb he will wear "is not a badge of degradation, but on
the back of an honest person is good evidence of suffering and self-denial" (p.
22). To say it in the language of the Foresters, the Escort is going to attend the
candidate now "in his further steps in Woodcraft" (cf. p. 22). The directions
indicate that the Escort and the candidate before their exit march in rear of the
Foresters once around the hall to the outer door, the Foresters "presenting their
axes" (p. 22). This brings to mind the Freemasons presenting their swords on
other occasions. Inserted at this point is an annotation worthy of note:
Fun in the Adoption ceremony is highly commendable, but it must
always be kept clean, must never include anything vulgar, obscene, or
dangerous, nor should it ever be too humiliating to the candidate. A list
of suggested and approved stunts for the Fraternal Degree will be found
on pages 61-63. Camps may feel free to introduce stunts of their own so
long as they comply with the provisions of this paragraph. (p. 22)
The above-mentioned "stunts" will be dealt with at the end of this chapter.
Returning to our candidate and the Escort who, in the meantime, have both been
clothed in the ante-room as beggars, with hats on their heads, we observe the
Street Scene: The Escort, who leads the now hoodwinked candidate, is brought
to a halt by the Watchman, who asks them "Who comes here?" (p. 23). The
Escort explains that they are two unfortunate persons wishing to go upon the
streets of the city to appeal for aid, and they are let in. However, the Watchman
1575 According to http://www.nowfbs.com/history.htm, Root was a member of "several fraternal
organizations," one of which being the Ancient Order of United Workmen.